Should driving be taught in schools?
October 15, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
With young driver accidents still alarmingly high, experts and parents say teaching driving in schools could save lives.
Young driver safety continues to make headlines, with tragic collisions remaining all too common. In fact, young male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over, according to official government statistics on reported road casualties.
While graduated driving licences have been considered as a solution, the government has ruled them out for now. But a new idea could change the conversation: teaching driving in school. Young Driver, the UK’s largest pre-17 driver training scheme, says early lessons could drastically improve road safety. The proposal has backing from MPs, headteachers, The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAMRoadsmart), and Suzuki GB.
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A survey of 2,700 parents and grandparents found 65% support adding driving to school lessons. Adrian Harding, formerly a senior teacher and now part of Young Driver, explained: “67% support graduated licences, but 23% believe proper education could make them less necessary. Our experience delivering over 1.5 million pre-17 lessons shows early instruction saves lives.”
The numbers are stark: one in five new UK drivers crashes within six months of passing their test. But research of 450 Young Driver alumni found they were 84% less likely to have an accident in that critical period, at just 3.4%.
Caroline Nokes MP said: “Young Driver gives young people vital skills before they reach 17. Including it in the curriculum could save lives and reduce collisions.” While Euan Stainbank MP added: “Safe driving education combined with professional instruction before 17 enhances road safety for new drivers.”
In the past year, Young Driver ran 109 school events, reaching 4,500 pupils. Lessons, including sessions in Firefly Sport electric cars for ages 4-9, teach safety, responsibility, and driving basics before students ever hit the road.
“The younger they start, the more seriously they take safety,” said Harding. “82% of parents agree children are more receptive to road safety concepts early. Schools are the best place to make this accessible to all.”
Jo Lawrence, vice principal at Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College in Birmingham, added: “Too many young lives are lost each year. Learning safe driving at school equips students with skills that could save lives. Wider access would be a huge benefit.”
Tips for young drivers
Whether you’re learning early or just passed your test, these safety tips can help reduce your risk on the road:
- Avoid distractions such as phones, loud music or chatting with passengers. A second’s loss of attention can be life-changing.
- Don’t rush. Many young driver crashes happen due to excessive speed or peer pressure. Take your time because confidence comes with experience.
- Know your route and check traffic or weather conditions before setting off, especially in the dark or on rural roads.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead – stopping distances are longer than you think.
- Never drive tired or impaired. Fatigue, alcohol or drugs dramatically reduce reaction times and judgment.
- Even after passing your test, consider advanced driver training to build confidence and skill.
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